2006 Kia Opirus vs. 1982 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Kia Opirus is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Opirus (201 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Opirus weights approximately 582 kg more than 1982 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Mercury Cougar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1982 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Opirus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Kia Opirus (298 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Opirus | 1982 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Opirus | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1897 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2690 mm |
